The Station House Art Gallery is undergoing a transformation.
“We’re tired of blending into the background. We want people to see us and come in,” said Station House manager Diane Toop of current changes to their exterior.
Toop said directors and members have been “ashamed of how we’ve been looking for a while,” and started fundraising for the project earlier this year. Toop chose an historical blue and ivory trim for the exterior to go with its almost 100-year history.
“We wanted something that had a heritage feel but also stood out,” said Toop, who is very pleased with the initial results. “I was beside myself when I saw it. I’m really pumped.”
The work began at the end of August thanks to Clayton Allen and Bill Lloyd, who are volunteering their time for the project.
“Williams Lake has been good to me so I’m just trying to be good to it … give a little back to the town,” Lloyd said of why he volunteered.
Toop said the project was also supported by United Carpet and Linde Lumber, and the gallery’s Chew the Fat fundraiser this summer and comes at a time when the gallery is enjoying an increase in business.
“We’re doing OK and that’s thanks to the citizens of our region supporting us … it’s a different time, people care about home-made, hand-made things.”
Toop also believes people appreciate the value of arts in the community.
“The arts is what keeps us sane. When the economy is down and you’re feeling disheartened, art is what can make you feel better and see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Beginning Friday, Sept. 5, the gallery is showing the work of Bella Coola artists Theresa Bagshaw, Kathleen Booth and Ernest Hall in Coastal Perspectives in the Lower Gallery and The Art of Reconciliation in the Upper Gallery.